Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy? How Does it Help?

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music intervention to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed therapist. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, improve communication and provide unique opportunities for interaction.

For those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, music therapy has proven to be a lifeline that enables them to reach optimal levels of functioning and wellbeing. Renowned Neurologist, Oliver Sacks, M.D. testified at a U.S. Senate committee hearing, stressing that people with Alzheimer’s disease have not lost their memories or their former personalities; they have lost their ability to access them. For many people the key to unlocking this connection is the therapeutic, customized use of music.

The human brain accesses and processes music in such a way that allows people with memory loss to sing even after speech is lost. These individuals can access long-term memory through participation in the lyrics, melody and rhythm of a song. Most important, the songs used in music therapy are those that have significance to the individual. The relationship between a resident and skilled clinician (and with peers in a music therapy group) is a means to keep them actively engaged – experiencing joy, calm, and meaning in life.

What We Do at Goddard

The purpose of our music therapy program, Making Music Connections, is to create opportunities for older adults and those living with Alzheimer’s disease to stay connected to what is meaningful for them, engage with others, and experience happiness and tranquility through music.

Music therapy reaches nearly all our 120 residents. Family members and friends may attend music therapy groups whenever possible. Our staff benefits from music therapy as it brings celebration, social connection, and calm to the workplace. Under the supervision of our two board-certified music therapy consultants who run the project, music therapy interns from Berklee College of Music are trained during the academic year at Goddard House. Goddard House residents benefit from the additional contact hours offered through working with the students, who in turn, gain the clinical skills needed to practice music therapy in geriatric settings and with an Alzheimer’s population. Many are international students so the cultural exchange that they offer is a great feature of the program.

Our level of commitment to music therapy and to the student training partnerships distinguishes the Goddard House program from music therapy sessions offered at other residential programs for older adults. Making Music Connections highlights the Goddard House philosophy of care. To encourage living life to the fullest for the older adults we serve, we strive to go well beyond providing only standard programs and services.

Goddard House residents benefit from the additional contact hours offered through working with the students, who in turn, gain the clinical skills needed to practice music therapy in geriatric settings and with an Alzheimer’s population. Many are international students so the cultural exchange that they offer is a great feature of the program. Our level of commitment to music therapy and to the student training partnerships distinguishes the Goddard House program from music therapy sessions offered at other residential programs for older adults. Making Music Connections highlights the Goddard House philosophy of care. To encourage living life to the fullest for the older adults we serve, we strive to go well beyond providing only standard programs and services.